Types of Rabbits in Montana

1. What Are the Most Common Rabbit Species in Montana?

Montana has two main groups: cottontails and jackrabbits (hares). Eastern Cottontails are widespread in lower elevations, while Mountain Cottontails occupy higher altitudes. Black-tailed Jackrabbits dominate the eastern plains, and White-tailed Jackrabbits are found in the western mountains. For more on habitat, visit the Montana wildlife guide at /wildlife/montana.

See ourRabbits guidefor the next step.

In Montana, rabbits sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area,...

2. How Can You Tell Cottontails Apart from Jackrabbits?

Ear length is the simplest field mark. Jackrabbits have very long ears (6-7 inches) that stand straight, while cottontail ears are shorter and rounded. Jackrabbits are larger with longer legs and a bounding run. Cottontails have a white fluffy tail that shows when they flee. See our types guide at /wildlife/montana/rabbit/types for more detail.

See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.

3. Where and When Are Each Type Most Likely to Be Seen?

Eastern Cottontails are active at dawn and dusk in brushy fields and suburban edges. Mountain Cottontails prefer sagebrush and open conifer forests above 5,000 feet. Black-tailed Jackrabbits are often seen during the day on shortgrass prairies. White-tailed Jackrabbits use alpine meadows in summer and move lower in winter.

See ourRabbits typesfor the next step.

4. What Key Features Help Identify Each Rabbit in the Field?

Focus on tail color: Eastern Cottontail has a bright white cottony tail; Mountain Cottontail has a brownish tail. Jackrabbits have a black stripe on the tail (Black-tailed) or all white tail (White-tailed). Also note ear tips: Black-tailed Jackrabbits have black ear tips. Cottontails have smaller, rounded ears.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

5. What Does the Eastern Cottontail Look Like?

Medium-sized (14-17 inches), reddish-brown upperparts, white belly, and a brilliant white tail. Ears are short and rounded with no black tips. It darts into dense cover when threatened. Look for them in riparian areas and overgrown fields. For more on similar species, check the rabbit hub at /animals/rabbit.

6. Where to Spot Montana Rabbits

For Eastern Cottontails, try the Missouri River breaks. Mountain Cottontails are common in the Bitterroot Valley. Black-tailed Jackrabbits are abundant near Miles City. White-tailed Jackrabbits can be seen in Glacier National Park. Use this tool to plan your trip: